The trigeminal nerve enters the brainstem, Its branches convey sensation from the face and the cornea. Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder where the nerve functions abnormally. This leads to severe, fleeting episodes of facial pain. The disorder arise more frequently in women, and occurs more commonly in late adult years.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The disease is thought to caused by ephaptic transmission in the trigeminal nerve. That is, pressure from an artery, where the nerve enters into the brainstem, leads to damage of the nerve. This damage results in cross-talk or abnormal transmission within the nerve. Other disorders, such as multiple sclerosis can produce this syndrome. Some cases do not have any identifiable cause.
Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia produced severe facial pain, described as jabbing or searing. The pain lasts only for a very short time, but frequently reoccurs. The pain is often triggered by touching or stroking the face, brushing teeth, shaving, exposure to wind or chewing. Attacks may occur several times a day, or may disappear for weeks or months, and between bouts, there is little or no discomfort. There is no weakness and no loss of sensation.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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